Raffles can only be run by organisations that have been declared by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).

The organisation can hold a raffle without a minor gaming permit as long as the prize value is $5,000 or less.

2. How do I apply for a minor gaming permit?

If you plan to hold a raffle with a prize value of over $5,000, you need to complete the minor gaming permit application form (PDF, 346KB). The permit to conduct a raffle may be given for a period of up to 12 months.

3. How do I amend the permit?

You can amend the permit if you need to change either the date or time of the draw. You must obtain approval from the VCGLR by completing the Amendment to a minor gaming permit application form (PDF, 213KB). You cannot start the draw until these amendments have been approved.

4. How should a raffle be conducted?

A raffle is a lottery where entrants purchase tickets for the chance to win prizes and where the proceeds from it go to a charity, sporting or recreational body or a registered political party.

Any method can be used to draw winners, as long as it provides a random and equal chance of each ticket being drawn and the method does not allow the possibility of more than one entry being deemed the winner of the same prize.

5. Can I hold a raffle on behalf of a community or charitable organisation?

Any person who conducts a raffle on behalf of a community or charitable organisation must have written consent of the governing body of that organisation.

6. What is a commercial raffle licence?

A commercial raffle licence is required if:

the person is not an employee of a declared community or charitable organisation

they conduct a raffle, in whole or part, on behalf of a community or charitable organisation

they receive payment for their services.

A community and charitable organisation must also obtain a raffle permit for any activity conducted on its behalf if prizes are valued at $5,000 or more. Only declared community and charitable organisations can apply for a raffle permit.

Yes, the total value of tickets available for sale must be not less than twice and not more than six times the total value of the prizes

Yes, the total value of tickets available for sale must be not less than twice and not more than six times the total value of the prizes.

Yes. It must not exceed the number authorised by the permit.

Are we required to have printed tickets?

No

Yes

Yes

Do we need to collect ticket purchaser’s details?

No

Yes. Ticket sellers should obtain enough information to be able to identify the winners.

Yes. Ticket sellers should obtain enough information to be able to identify the winners.

How long can we sell tickets for?

One day, or within an eight hour period.

No longer than three months.

For the period authorised on the permit. A permit will not be issued for a period exceeding 12 months.

When does the draw have to occur?

On the same day as the ticket sales, or within an eight hour period.

On the date printed on the tickets, which must not be more than 14 days after the date of the proposed last ticket sales.

On the day authorised by the permit.

What method must we use to draw the raffle?

The method of draw must allow each ticket a random and equal chance of winning.

The method of draw must allow each ticket a random and equal chance of winning.

The method of draw must allow each ticket a random and equal chance of winning.

We cannot locate the winner, what should we do?

If a winner does not come forward within a reasonable amount of time following the announcement of the winning number a redraw must occur.

Contact the VCGLR by phone on 1300 182 457.

Contact the VCGLR by phone on 1300 182 457.

What records must we keep and for how long?

You must keep a record of the distribution of funds and prizes for three years.

You must keep a record of the distribution of funds, details of tickets printed, and prizes for three years.

You must keep a record of the following for three years:

How tickets are sold

How the sales were publicised

Names of entrants

How many tickets were sold (to each person)

How many tickets were returned (from each person)

How much money was remitted

When and how the raffle was drawn

Names and addresses of winners

Description (including retail value) of the prizes

8. Can I run a raffle for a political party?

If you are an affiliate or branch within an organisation and wish to carry out a raffle on behalf of a political party, it must be conducted in the name of the declared political party. The affiliates or branches must have written authority from the political party to conduct the raffle. If the political party is to receive any proceeds from the raffle, this must be included in the raffle ticket.